Drie Engelsen, een podium in de achtergrond 1636

Curator: This engraving, dating from 1636, is called "Three Englishmen and a Podium in the Background" and it’s by Johann Wilhelm Baur. The scene almost looks like a theatrical production or some kind of meeting or political event. What's your take on it? Editor: Stark, reserved... I’d say austere, but for the little touches that humanize it. Notice the drape overhead. Almost seems to introduce the key character on the right? But they all appear on stage. Do we have here three interpretations of England, brought on stage to answer a specific political issue? Curator: Well, in iconography, the figure stage right, confidently walking towards us, has very different symbols. That assertive posture—the way he strides, the flowing cape—speaks to someone of considerable status. In comparison, the two behind him seem…almost like afterthoughts. One figure is even partly obscured. Editor: Yes, perhaps symbols of power then, in the making. Yet that partially hidden character in the back, rifle slung... and they’re all wearing identical hats— it evokes a sense of guarded purpose and maybe national unity of this newly appointed leader. The artist is using such fine, intricate line work, isn’t it? The details of their clothes, the backdrop—it’s quite mesmerizing! Curator: It is fascinating. Given Baur's inclination towards history painting, that backdrop – a gathering crowd by what looks like a coastal shore— I'm drawn to think on its socio-political symbols: possibly even English expansionist projects, considering the date? The stage itself, of course, brings in many allegorical symbols. Editor: It's all beautifully compact, too. So much meaning conveyed in a limited space, almost in the realm of personal, portable talismans. Do you see any link with Commedia dell'arte as to these allegorical depictions? Curator: Certainly a suggestion of theatre in the everyday, translated to an historical statement! And a thought: what is Johann Wilhelm Baur really saying? Who is the real character of history at that time, according to the author? England in a character perhaps? Editor: Maybe so! Looking at how history gets shaped, and how images like these contributed. I think about the layers of storytelling and fabrication embedded into the making and the beholding. That's fascinating for me in looking at these older artworks. Curator: And, on that point, this particular image provides a portal into Baur's practice, an era of intense historical re-evaluation, and also to our interpretation of visual symbols!